The main difference between fan forced and conventional oven is their heat distribution. The fan at the back of a fan forced oven distributes heat evenly, whereas a conventional oven does not have a fan and cannot distribute heat evenly.
Fan forced ovens and conventional ovens are two cooking devices you can use for baking, roasting, and heating food. Each has its own pros and cons. In general, fan-forced ovens take less time to cook and are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Fan Forced Oven
– Definition, Features
2. What is Conventional Oven
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Fan Forced and Conventional Oven
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Fan Forced Oven, Conventional Oven
What is a Fan Forced Oven
A fan forced oven is an oven that has a fan at the back of it to distribute heat evenly. The fan circulates the hot air, equalizing the temperature inside and heating every tray inside the chamber equally. Fan forced ovens are also known as convection ovens. These ovens are always electric. They can be as small as tabletop ovens or as large as ovens at commercial bakeries. You can easily identify fan forced ovens by the fans at the back. You can also notice the symbol of a spinning fan inside a circle in the packaging of the oven.
This type of oven is best for baking large batches of food that require the same temperature. They also heat very quickly, reducing the cooking time and saving energy. When cooking food like meat and vegetables, their interior may remain moist while the exterior gets browner. This is because convection creates a dry atmosphere caramelizing sugars faster when roasting. You can bake almost any type of food using these ovens. However, delicate foods like soufflés, mud cakes, and meringues are better suited to conventional ovens.
Since fan forced ovens are very fast, you will have to be very careful about the timing. Even an extra minute can result in your food burning. Moreover, if you are following a recipe for a conventional oven, always reduce your fan forced oven’s temperature by 20°C. In addition, don’t preheat the oven unless necessary; this can make your food overcook.
What is a Conventional Oven
Conventional ovens are the normal ovens used commonly in many households. They are also known as regular ovens or traditional ovens. In these ovens, the heat source (usually a gas flame or a burner element) is located at the bottom. Therefore, the heat transfer takes place from bottom to top; heat rises and cooks the food from beneath. However, the lack of moving air inside the oven creates hotspots. Consequently, the food placed at the bottom layers will cook more quickly than the food located farther away. Moreover, conventional ovens can use gas or electricity.
Most recipes in cookbooks are typically written for conventional ovens. Therefore, unlike with fan-forced ovens, you don’t have to adjust the cooking temperature when using conventional ovens. Moreover, conventional ovens are a better option for food like quick bread and delicate cakes.
Difference Between Fan Forced and Conventional Oven
Definition
A fan-forced oven is an oven that has a fan at the back of it to distribute heat evenly, while a conventional oven is the regular non-convection oven used in most households.
Mechanism of Action
Fan forced ovens have fans at the back, which circulate the hot air, equalizing the temperature inside and heating everywhere inside the chamber equally. In conventional ovens, the heat source is at the bottom, so the heat rises and cooks the food from underneath.
Heat Distribution
Fan forced ovens have equal heat distribution, whereas conventional ovens don’t.
Baking Time
Moreover, fan forced ovens heat very quickly, reducing the cooking time and saving energy. Therefore, they are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens.
Ideal For
Fan forced ovens are best for baking large batches of food that require the same temperature, while conventional ovens are best for quick bread and delicate cakes.
Conclusion
The main difference between fan forced and conventional oven is that fan forced ovens have equal heat distribution, whereas conventional ovens don’t. In addition, fan forced ovens cook food quickly and are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens.
Reference:
1. “What Is a Conventional Oven?” Hunker.
2. McKay, Rhys. “Fan Forced Oven: What Are They, How to Use & How Do They Compare?” Better Homes and Gardens, 27 Nov. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Modern-oven” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “Oven listrik” By Myeyes.picture – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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